How to Fix It When Windows 10 Bluetooth Is Not Working
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Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years’ experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
Bluetooth is an indispensable technology that connects numerous devices wirelessly to computers, laptops, and tablets. When it stops working properly on a Windows 10 computer, there can be multiple reasons why. To fix these types of Bluetooth problems, there are several solutions to get things working again.
Information in this article applies to PCs and laptops with Windows 10.
Cause of Windows 10 Bluetooth Problems
Bluetooth problems on Windows 10 computers are usually caused by a combination of software and hardware issues. Sometimes multiple Bluetooth devices cause conflicts with each other and the computer to which the Bluetooth devices are trying to connect. Other times, connectivity problems occur because the computer needs an operating system, software, or device driver update.
Other common causes of Windows 10 Bluetooth errors include a broken device, the incorrect settings were enabled or disabled in Windows 10, and the Bluetooth device is turned off.
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How to Fix Bluetooth Issues on Windows 10
Because the causes of a faulty Bluetooth connection can vary, there are numerous possible solutions to try. Here are the most effective ways to fix common Windows 10 Bluetooth problems.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Sometimes Bluetooth is accidentally disabled on Windows 10 computers and tablets. To confirm it’s on, open the Windows 10 Action Center by selecting the system tray icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and look at the Bluetooth icon. If it’s dim, Bluetooth is turned off. Select the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.
If you turn on Windows 10 Airplane mode while in the air, turn it off after you land. This setting disables Wi-Fi, location settings, and Bluetooth. This can be done by clicking the Airplane mode tile in the Action Center.
If the pairing process takes a long time, your Bluetooth device may turn off because it doesn’t detect any activity. Turn it on again if it shuts down.
To restart a Windows 10 device, open the Start menu, select the Power button, and then choose Restart.
When performing a Windows 10 update, make sure that your device is connected to a power source. The process can drain battery power, and major errors can occur if the Windows 10 device turns off while installing an update.
Some fitness trackers can have trouble connecting to more than one device at a time. It’s a good idea to only pair a fitness tracker with your smartphone or computer, but not both.
You can add Bluetooth to your PC with an adapter if your computer doesn’t already support it. Bluetooth dongles use USB, so they plug into the outside of your computer via an open USB port.
Select the system tray icon in the lower-right corner of the screen to open the Windows 10 Action Center, then select the Bluetooth icon to turn it off. You can also turn off Bluetooth by switching to Airplane mode.
To connect a Bluetooth device to your PC, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device. In the Add a device window, select Bluetooth, put your device in pairing mode, and choose your device.
To connect your Android phone to your PC, connect the devices with a USB cable. Then on Android, select Transfer files. On your PC, select Open device to view files > This PC. Alternatively, connect wirelessly with AirDroid from Google Play, Bluetooth, or the Microsoft Your Phone app. You can also mirror an iPhone on your PC.